Grow Long-Lived, Lush Peonies

Fall is a great time to plant many perennials, especially peonies. It gives them time to get established while the ground is still warm and easy to work. Peonies need a period of cold temperatures to create huge, lush, fragrant flowers.

Peonies planted in the fall are usually sold bare root, not in containers. There are early, mid- and late-season blooming varieties. Areas with hot summers should plant only early and mid-season varieties.

How to Plant Peonies:

Peonies are long-lived; some live for decades. They don’t like to be transplanted, so choose a place with well-drained soil where they can grow undisturbed.

Plant in full sun or light shade; however, too much afternoon sun can scald the leaves.

Dig a hole as deep as the container, removing weeds and rocks. The hole should be wider than it is deep, to allow the roots to spread.

Amend the soil with compost or composted manure.

Plant the peony so that the “eyes,” which are the growing tips, are no more than 1” beneath the surface. Too deep and the peony won’t bloom.

Replace the soil and firmly pat it down, forming a saucer around the hole to prevent runoff.

Water gently so as not to compact the soil after planting, and if rainfall is inadequate, water weekly until the ground freezes.